• Location: Uttar Pradesh
• Major attractions: Kumbh Ka Mela, Sangam Nath, Ardh Kumbh
• Languages: Hindi, English, Urdu
• Best Season: Oct - Mar
• Weather: Summer 30-43°C, Winter 3-14°C
• Altitude: 98 m
• Population: 5,959,798
• Area: 63.07 km2 (24 sq mi)

Allahabad at a glance

Allahabad, formerly known as ‘Prayag’ is one of the most visiting pilgrimage destination of north India. The city is bestowed with plenty of religious and spiritual centers. In order to avail the fun of its spirituality and ancient historical, cultural and religious values, one should visit to the temples of Allahabad that exhibit sacred feels of devotedness. Look below the details of some most favorable attractions of Allahabad where pilgrims tend to stopover repeatedly.

Major pilgrimage attractions of Allahabad

Kumbh Mela: Kumbh Mela held in Allahabad after every 12 years beside Allahabad, it also takes place in three other cities of India as well that include- Haridwar, Ujjain and Nasik. The event is so huge that it alone attracts around 15 million people. People from all corners of the world hover this colossal event in big numbers and participate in abundance of spiritual activities that occur during Kumbh Mela. There set to be numerous especially propitious bathing days.

Ardh Kumbh: As the word suggest Ardh Mela is a half Mela that falls after every six years in the city Allahabad. It also attracts almost half citizens of full Kumbh that include 7 million people. The Kumbh Mela is a gathering of Yogis, sadhus (saints), holy people and many other pilgrims who come here from far and wide places of India. You will also get to see many reputed sadhus of India here who hail from secluded forests, Himalayas and mountain caves.

And, some of the most famous among them are the Naga Babas, Siva worshipers who come out completely naked. One must not make their fun seeing them naked. These babas are considered to be the people with supernatural power that is earned by them after years of penance. So, one must respect them from the deep of heart. Ritually, they cover their bodies with ash and wear their foot long hair in dreadlocks.

Sangam: it’s a place where the most sacred rivers of India Ganga and Yamuna merge with the mythological river, Saraswati. Sangam is at the 7 km of distance from Allahabad. The eastern fortifications of the Allahabad fort overlook Sangam. The sacred Sangam is the exact place where the Magha Mela, Kumbh Mela and Ardh Mela take place. Sangam looks truly amazing during the Kumbh Mela and half (Ardh Kumbh Mela). Devotees from far and wide visit Sangam to observe the charm of Indian spirituality.

Sangam is considered to be a most holy bathing place where people of all ages take the pleasure of consecrated bathing and wash out their all sins (As per Indian Mythology). The most auspicious time to take bath in blue water of Yamuna and muddy Ganaga is the month of Magh that falls between (January-February) according to the Indian calendar.

Patampuri Temple: The Patampuri temple is located inside the amazing Allahabad fort. The temple lays within the (immortal tree) Akshaya Vat. It is believed that the greatest Indian deity “Lord Rama” visited the Patampuri temple in the ancient time. Beside the Chinese pilgrim and an enthusiast traveler, Hiuen Tsang also visited to this temple.

Akshaya Vat (Immortal Tree): The immortal tree is located within the Patampuri temple inside Allahabad fort. The amazing temple is also pointed out in the description of numerous ancient and reputed writers, scriptures, and historians.

Hanuman Temple: Situated near Allahabad Fort, Hanuman Temple is bedecked with a 20 feet long and 8 feet wide huge idol of ‘Hanuman’ in a reclining position a few feet below the ground. The temple gets automatically submerged when the river Ganga rise in. As per mythology, the level of Ganga Water hikes because the Ganga wants to touch the feet of Lord Hanuman. The view looks extremely amazing when the water of Ganga hikes the water limit and appear as if touching the feet of Hanuman.

How to Reach Allahabad?

By Air: Nearest airports are- Varanasi, Kanpur and Lucknow.

By Air: Allahabad has direct rail connections to all the major cities of India including- Delhi, Calcutta, Patna, Gwalior, Meerut, Chennai, Mumbai, Varanasi and Guwahati.

By road: Allahabad on National Highways 2 & 27 is connected to the rest of the country. Beside it is also having 3 major bus stands catering to different routes. All the buses from western destinations like- Delhi, Agra, Lucknow and Kanpur halt at the buss stands- Leader Road Bus Stand (Enquiry Ph. No. 602114). The Zero Road Bus Stand (Enquiry Ph. No. 400192).

For connecting the local routes, plenty of transport options are available there such as- Tourist Taxis, Auto-Rickshaws and tempos. The fare rates can easily be negotiated.

 

Related Tours